The Planning Commission met online on April 21 (following governor’s executive order 2020-15) and discussed three diverse topics that impact business and residents. The commissioners approved new outdoor storage space for Northville Lumber, consented to a public survey for the Master Plan public input process, and asked the City planning consultant to incorporate changes to the draft Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ordinance.

The Planning Commission approved the Special Land Use and Preliminary Site Plan requested by Northville Lumber for outdoor storage at 777 Baseline Road, based on the following conditions:

1. Limit use of the southern portion of the site to storage of building materials only, provide six
truck parking spaces, and maintain storage within the boundaries as indicated on the plan, and permit only loading and unloading on the south side of the building as a secondary use to storage.

The subcommittee for the public input process of the Master Plan presented an update of their work. Based on the subcommittee’s recommendation, the Planning Commission agreed to work with Carlisle Workman Associates (CWA) on a Master Plan Survey.

Based on the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) presentation delivered at the April meeting by City planner Sally Elmiger, the Planning Commission asked for the following changes in the ordinance language:

1. Change FAR factor to 0.36 for all properties.

2. Add 2,500 square-foot minimum house size if FAR results in a house less than 2,500 square foot.

3. Look into adding language excluding bonus rooms above a garage and half stories if that room(s) is located within the slope of the roof and the space doesn't add mass to the building.